151. In the Intermittent Fevers of Natives, powdered Galls, in doses of 20 to 30 grains, three or four times a day, have been found serviceable in some cases; or smaller doses (10 to 12 grains) may be given in 1½ ounces of Infusion of Chiretta (98) repeated every hour, for four or five times in succession, immediately before the period at which the fever usually returns. An aperient should, in all cases, be taken before commencing this treatment, which is only suited for adults.
152. In Poisoning by Nux Vomica, Cocculus Indicus, Datura, Opium, and Bish (Aconite Root), after the stomach has been freely emptied by emetics (which is the first thing to be done), the Decoction of Galls, in doses of 3 or 4 ounces, should be given every ten minutes or quarter of an hour, for four of five times in succession. It is thought to act as an antidote; in some cases it certainly seems to act very beneficially.
153.
Ginger.
The dried root of Zingiber officinalis, Roscoe.
Sónth, Sindhi (Hind.), Sónth (Duk., Beng., Punj.), Shó-ont (Kash.), Shukku (Tam.), Sonti (Tel.), Chukka (Mal.), Vanasunthi (Can.), Súnt (Guz.), Ingúrú, Velichaingúrú (Cing.), Ginsi-khiáv (Burm.), Hulya-kring (Malay).
154. Dried Ginger is preferable to fresh or green Ginger for medicinal use, but if not procurable the latter may be employed. It is best given in the form of Infusion, made by macerating 1 ounce of bruised Ginger in a pint of boiling water in a covered vessel for an hour and straining. The dose is from 1 to 2 ounces. A very useful domestic remedy is made by steeping 3 ounces of Ginger in a pint of Brandy for ten days. Of this a teaspoonful or more may, with great advantage, be added to aperient, antacid and other medicines.
155. In Colic, Flatulence, Vomiting, Spasms, and other painful Affections of the Bowels unattended by fever, the above Infusion, especially if taken warm, in doses of 2 ounces every half-hour or hour, often affords great relief. The addition of 20 or 30 grains of Carbonate of Soda, if at hand, greatly increases its efficacy. For children a tablespoonful of the infusion is sufficient.
156. In Chronic Rheumatism Infusion of Ginger (2 drachms to 6 ounces of boiling water and strained), taken warm the last thing before going to bed, the body being covered with blankets so as to produce copious perspiration, is often attended with the best effects. The same treatment has also been found very beneficial in Colds or Catarrhal attacks, and during the cold stage of Intermittent Fever.